Tabitha Chawinga wins AUSC Region 5’s Sportswoman of the Year award

* For her outstanding prowess in soccer, her skills and dedication inspiring aspiring female footballers across the region

* The momentous occasion — celebrated under the theme; ‘Celebrating Excellence, Inspiring Innovation’ — was hosted by Zimbabwe

Maravi Express

Malawi’s celebrated women soccer players Tabitha TC11 Chawinga has been voted as Sportswoman of the Year at the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5, Regional Annual Sports Awards (RASA) awards gala held on Saturday at Harare International Conference Centre in Zimbabwe.

The award recognises Tabitha Chawinga for her outstanding prowess in soccer, her skills and dedication inspiring aspiring female footballers across the region.

On February 28, Tabitha was voted as Sportswoman of the Year at the prestigious Malawi Sport Awards held at Sunbird Nkopola in Mangochi, that earned the nomination for RASA Awards.

Malawi’s other individual nominees were Moses Misoya (Sportsman of the Year with a Disability) and Taonele Banda Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability) while the Malawi U-19 Girls cricket national team were nominated for Team of the Year.

Zim Global Media News reports that the momentous occasion — celebrated under the theme; ‘Celebrating Excellence, Inspiring Innovation — Junior Male Sportsperson of the Year went to Collen Busand Kebinatshipi from Botswana; Zambia’s Mercy Chipasula was celebrated as the Junior Female Sportsperson of the Year; South Africa’s Simone Kruger was named the Sportswoman of the Year with Disability while her compatriot, Mpumelelo Mhlongo, claimed the title of Sportsman of the Year with Disability for his remarkable feats in T44 athletics. 

Teamwork and collective brilliance were also lauded, with the Botswana Men’s 4x400m Relay Team earning the prestigious title of Team of the Year for their seamless coordination and exceptional speed have made them a force to be reckoned with on the continental stage. 

Botswana’s Kebony Modisa Dose was recognised as the Coach of the Year for his instrumental role in nurturing athletic talent while the Confederation of the Year award went to Zimbabwe’s swimming.

The host nation was also announced as the Sports Nation of the Year along with Zimbabwe’s Elina Mhlanga honoured as the Sports Journalist of the Year — for her insightful reporting and dedication contributing significantly to the region’s sports narrative.

“The pinnacle of the evening arrived with the announcement of the most coveted individual awards — Botswana’s phenomenal athlete, Letsile Tebogo, who was crowned both the Sportsman of the Year and the Sportsperson of the Year,” reports Zim Global Media News.

“The atmosphere was electric, filled with anticipation and pride as the region came together to recognise and honour outstanding achievements in the realm of sports.

“The AUSC Region 5 RASA stands as a vital component of the regional sports framework, designed to motivate member states, teams, and individual athletes by acknowledging their meritorious service and remarkable accomplishments.

“This prestigious awards programme offers a unique platform to celebrate the dedication, perseverance, and talent that define the sporting landscape of Southern Africa.

“Prior to the evening’s grand ceremony, the spirit of camaraderie and collaboration was palpable as sports Ministers, secretaries, and government officials from across the AUSC Region 5 converged at the ZRP Golf Club — led by Zimbabwe’s Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts & Culture, Lieutenant General (Retired), Ambassador A.N. Sanyatwe — for a round of golf. 

“As the lights dimmed and the curtains rose at the Harare International Conference Centre, the air crackled with excitement. The awards ceremony unfolded with grace and dynamism, showcasing the remarkable talent and unwavering spirit of the region’s athletes, coaches, and administrators.

“Each award presented was a testament to countless hours of training, unwavering dedication, and the pursuit of sporting excellence. The roll call of honour for RASA 2025 featured a constellation of rising stars and established champions — representing the diverse sporting prowess of the AUSC Region 5. 

“The successful hosting of the AUSC Region 5 RASA marks a significant milestone for Zimbabwe, showcasing its capacity to stage high-profile continental events and its commitment to the development of sport within the region. 

“The evening was a powerful testament to the unifying power of sport, bringing together nations to celebrate excellence, inspire future generations, and foster a spirit of healthy competition and collaboration.

“As the delegates and award recipients departed the HICC, the echoes of celebration and the spirit of camaraderie lingered in the air — Zimbabwe has not only successfully hosted a prestigious event but has also reaffirmed its position as a key player in the regional sporting fraternity.

“The 7th edition of the RASA will undoubtedly be remembered as a resounding success, leaving a lasting legacy of celebrating excellence and inspiring innovation in the vibrant sporting landscape of Southern Africa. 

“The future of AUSC Region 5 sports shines brightly, fueled by the achievements recognised and the partnerships forged during this memorable evening in Harare,” reports Takasununguka Ziki for Zim Global Media News.